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A steady thud filled his ears as he was swept into the oblivion of darkness. The door had closed behind him, leaving Sonja only one avenue of escape. He had to go forwards, in the dark, without any clue as where he was going. Stifling a fearful whimper, he edged his way forwards, hands out to feel his way around and to help him not bump into things. It didn't help much, as he soon bumped into a large wooden object. Rubbing his nose, Sonja stepped back. His eyes had adjusted a little and he was able to see somewhat the item he had bumped into.

It was nothing special. Just a wooden crate. He almost felt silly for being frightened int he first place, until he saw what was hanging from the side of the crate.

A arm. A arm covered in blood.

Sonja stuffed his hands into his mouth to keep from screaming. His mind reeled and he almost turned around to run back. He instead tried to move around the crate, but found it had completely blocked his way forwards. He wasn't able to suppress his whimper now, knowing he had no other choice but to look inside. The steady thudding noise was louder here, and the sides of the crate were drenched with blood. Gods, could he be any more frightened?

Stupid question. Yes he could. He gathered up his tiny courage to touch the ar, and feel his way along it so he could see inside the box.

A body. A body that was bloodied and unable to fit properly in the crate. But more importantly, he could see a beating heart. The thudding sound had been replaced by the hearts rhythmic beating.

He knew what had to be done.

The actual process of extracting the heart was grizzly, but for some strange reason, it did not disturb him as much as before. He knew what to expect. There was no unknown, just a simple procedure. It was difficult however as it was dark and hard to see, so he had to feel his way around the internal organs, opening up the body cavity and snipping the lungs away. With some maneuvering, he had made enough room to extract the heart. He began cutting away the tubes that held it in place, placing his hands around the organ gently-"

"JASON"

The name echoed in his ears, as the body suddenly screamed, coming to life to clutch at his arms. Sonja screamed as well. He screamed and screamed, feeling blood in his throat and he all but yanked the heart away, a memory coming to him-

There was singing all around. Jason walked up the isle towards the priest that stood there. His parents were behind him, looking worried as they pushed him forwards. He had been speaking of demons again, of dark shadows that haunted his sleep and left him shaking and sobbing by nights end. Instead of comforting him, they took him to church, hoping the priest could banish the evil from his mind.

Briefly he looked at Jason in the eyes, a serious expression on his face and he began to recite ancient words and hymns that he believed would keep the evil spirits at bay.

Sonja knew if he didn't do something soon, he would be lost to the darkness. Already the edges of his vision were dimming, finding it hard to move his arms. With his last ounce of strength, he slammed the sharp edges of the scissors into the priests chest, hearing a horrible scream of pain before he was suddenly on dry land.

Collapsing on the ground, he threw up all the water he swallowed, breathing clean, glorious air. And not only that, but the temple door was just within sight. Nearly crying with relief, he hobbled through those doors, pausing to look back as he could of sworn he had seen the priest staring at him, clutching the same scissors in hand.

He shuddered, moving into the light. He never liked that priest anyway.

The next thing Sonja was aware of, was the cold feeling of metal underneath him. Bright lights flashed before his eyes, and he lifted his arm to shield them. What had happened to him? All he did was walk towards the opening...

Getting to his feet, he grimaced as the hum of the lights drilled into his mind at such a frequency that it was giving him a headache. With a glance around he knew there was nothing in this room except a door, which he quickly opened and exited through, only to find himself in a equally bright and sterile hallway. It was discerning; there was no one here, no other signs of life. Sonja glanced around before walking away from the small room, only to jump about a mile when he heard a slam. He spun around, seeing the door was still open.

His steps were slow and measured as he walked down the hallway, his gaze darting this way and that. In the distance he could see a exit, a proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. He didn't want to be here any longer.

Thud

The shadow's heart almost stopped beating at that moment. Again he looked, and there was nothing there. He quickened his pace towards the exit only to hear the sound again. Now there was someone there. Slowly coming toward them, a sharp screeching filling the air as they moved.

Terror paralyzed Sonja. His body wouldn't move, he couldn't speak or scream, only stare in blind horror as the thing came closer, and closer still. Perhaps it would of been easier to just there and then then to put up with this.

He pushed that thought aside. He felt the cold hands upon his neck, and in a instant he was running. Running for the sanctuary of the outside world. He soon reached the other door, and actually sobbed when the door wouldn't open. The door wouldn't open, and he was in here with the scariest thing ever.

Okay, keep calm, Don't panic, there must be a way out...Sonja looked again, straining to see something that could aid him. He was surprised to see another piece of paper, and this one gave him the answer he so desperately needed.

He had seen the red words on the door handle, and the number pad on the door. He quickly punched the numbers in, and the door swung open. Sonja then bolted for freedom, never so thankful he was out in the open and ran as fast as his legs could carry him.

Approaching the goddess for his next task, Sonja felt surprised, and a little pleased at the goddess reactions. She seemed so friendly and joyful, it gave him a warm feeling in his heart. When offered a cookie he took it gratefully, smiling as she beamed at him.

"Of course I love you" He reassured the goddess when she asked. "Why wouldn't I?"

How couldn't he love someone such as herself?

Her next question had him blinking in surprise. He had nearly forgotten he was speaking to a all powerful being. "O-oh, uhh, sure." Though he wasn't too sure about the tea party aspect, it sounded a million times better then how he felt about the other two goddesses tasks.

He began to move off, watching as the hedges formed in front of him, leading to a long table. She urged him on, and he walked towards the table.